444 Days- The Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979 to 1981

Hadi Hejad Hosseinian, left, the permanent representative to the United Nations for the Islamic Republic of Iran, visited Missoula at the invitation of Mark Johnson, who worked in the Office of Iranian Affairs during the hostage crisis of 1979-1981. It was the first-ever visit by an Iranian Official to an inland American city. Copywrited to photographer, obtained from Breaking the Silence by Ken Picard

The overthrow of Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlevi of Iran by an Islamic revolutionary government earlier in the year had led to a steady deterioration in Iran-U.S. relations. On Nov. 4, 1979, and in response to the exiled shah’s admission (Sept., 1979) to the United States for medical treatment, about 500 students and civilians seized the embassy. Of the 90 people inside the embassy, 52 remained in captivity until the end of the crisis, 444 days later. This is a comprised source of information on the people, relations, and actions taken on and after the event.